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Guest Post: For .... In

This post from my lovely friend, Lola McGuire, was posted on her site for Thanksgiving. When I read it, I thought it applies to us, no matter what the day. Thank you, Lola for your wise words.

..in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.....1 Thessalonians 5:18

As I reflect on this time of thanksgiving, I realize it is easy to thank
God for all the good things in my life. Those things I consider
blessings, but for those of us who suffer, whatever the reason, giving
thanks to God can be difficult or almost impossible at these times.

When we are in agony, we often wonder if there really is a God, and if
so why does He let us suffer so? I know I have in the past.

The "why" of suffering, I cannot answer you. Many say its because we've
sinned and God is punishing us. For unbelievers this could be true,
but not for the child of God. Scripture tells us God loves us with an
everlasting love. He does not punish us.

He may lovingly chastise us if
we have gotten away from Him and His ways, so that we will turn back to
Him. But punish? No! That is not what the Word says. That is not what
the NEW COVENANT God made with His followers Is all about.

He is the
perfect Father, who only love us unconditionally. Any sin we commit as
His child is already forgiven and cleansed through the blood of Jesus
Christ who died on the Cross of Calvary for us. As His redeemed child,
God the Father loves us and Jesus is with us no matter what we are going
through. Even in the worst of times, He is there, ready to give us His
love and comfort and help if we just ask.

I know this for a fact because His sweet loving Presence has met me, in
many times of darkness. He has sustained me, walked beside me, given
me His peace and love, when I thought I could not take one more step in
this life.

Do I know about suffering?

Oh yes! Can I thank God while I am hurting
in a difficult trial of life? Yes, I can! And I am learning how.

Many
people think we are to thank God for the suffering but that's not what
Scripture says. I have come to know by reading Gods Word, the above
verse being one of many such verses, we don't thank FOR the trial or hurt, but IN
the trial.

Whatever we are suffering, we can thank Him that He is with
us, that His promises to us are true and He always, always keeps them.
That is His nature and His character.

It may not be easy, but there is always "something" we can thank Him
about because His mercies are new everyday.

We can thank Him for His
love, His strength; which I know He gives me each and every time I bring
my physical pain or emotional sorrow to Him in prayer. God loves me
with a love that can never take me out of His arms. He will never
forsake or leave me or you once we have become His child.

When we learn to run to God in our pain and suffering, and not away
from Him, He will wrap us in His everlasting arms and hold us tight. I
know.

I have experienced this love for myself and prayerfully offer you
what I have found. Giving thanks in all things
brings God into whatever you are experiencing. And that's just where He
want's to be.

Scripture tells us that Gods ways are not our ways, so I
have to choose to trust that even in my most trying, painful times, He
will work them for my good and His glory. He promises so.

God does what He says He will do. Look into His Word and hear His sweet
voice speaking to you. The Psalms are full of His love. They bring me
so much comfort in my times of suffering. Read them, see what you
find.

Dear Lord, You alone know all things and have all power under heaven and
earth. You also know each and every pain and sorrow, for You, Yourself
experienced them while here on earth. You alone know the most true
agony of suffering...the Cross....so You understand what suffering is.

Thank You Jesus, that I am never alone in any time of suffering and I
can thank You for Your wonderful love and Presence....You my Lord, who
went to the cross for me.

Thank You also that Your are not on that
cross any longer but are resurrected and sitting at the right hand of
the Father always making intercession on our behalf. And that You now
indwell the hearts of Your children.

I'm so gratefully for Your
absolute perfect love that can only come from an intimate relationship
with You. Thank You Lord! Thank You! May You except my offering of thanksgiving and praise my Lord Jesus. Amen

More about Lola: Lola is a 63 mother, grandmother, and this year, a great-grandmother of 2. She' a woman of God, learning how to live a godly life while dealing with debilitating, degenerative arthritis. She lives in Washington State and loves the wonders of all Gods beautiful creations that surround where she lives. The Pacific ocean, only a few hours away, Mt St Helens and the Cascade range, and the beauty of all the many evergreen forests. She has a consuming passion for the Word of God and sharing what He says with others, using her life experiences to offer Gods love to those around her.

If you cannot leave a comment and wish to, please send me a message from the Email Me page and I will forward your comments to Lola. :)

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